Dundalk MU14s 6-1 Longford Town

Dundalk MU14s produced an impressive attacking display to run out 6-1 winners over Longford Town in an entertaining match.

Dundalk enjoyed the balance of the early play and almost made a dream start when Gerald Sharkey forced G Kelly into a fine save after just two minutes. Longford, however, showed plenty of enterprise of their own, particularly on the break, and had a great chance to take the lead when Kiernan burst through and rounded Dylan Fingleton. The Dundalk goalkeeper forced him wide, though, and Kiernan could only shoot into the side netting.

Dundalk responded well to that scare, with Kian O’Hanrahan unfortunate to see his effort drift just wide of the post. But it was Longford who made the breakthrough in the 19th minute when O’Donnell found space on the right and drilled a magnificent shot into the roof of the net, giving Fingleton no chance.

Dundalk pushed for a response and Kelly was called upon again in the 27th minute, producing a smart save to deny Harry Etherson. Moments later, the Longford keeper made another brilliant stop from Ryan Tinnelly, but Gerald Sharkey reacted quickest to the rebound and made no mistake to bring Dundalk level.

Ten minutes into the second period, Kelly was once again in outstanding form, getting down low to deny Tinnelly with a stunning save. Dundalk continued to apply pressure and took the lead in the 57th minute when Odhran McShane, impressive all afternoon in defence, scored from close range after Michael Callan’s free kick.

Soon afterwards, Sharkey was denied by another save from Kelly, while Callan steered a shot from 10 yards just wide as Dundalk looked to extend their advantage.

Dundalk made it 3-1 early in the third period through a stunning long-range effort from Finn O’Hara that gave the keeper no chance. That was quickly followed by another superb strike, this time a beautifully struck left-footed effort from Tony O’Kane.

McShane then added his second of the afternoon in the 70th minute, scoring from a corner to make it 5-1. With five minutes remaining, Max Melaniphy scored with a brilliant shot into the far corner, which concluded the scoring of an entertaining match. Dundalk FC: Dylan Fingleton, Charlie Smith, Harry Etherson, Odhran McShane, Eoghan McQuillan, Gerald Sharkey, Davy McCormack, Mark Kolosinskyi, Ryan Tinnelly, Charlie Elliott, Kian O’Hanrahan. Subs: Calum Griffin, Michael Callan, Finn O’Hara, Max Melaniphy, Dillon, Keenan, O’Kane, O’Connor, Mullen.

Longford Town: Kelly, Egan, Davis, Lima De Almeida, James, Sexton Byrne, Gibson, Kiernan, McQuaid, O’Donnell, Convey.

Subs: Conlon, Wiafe, Flood Norton, Nolan, Dempsey, Burke, McGuinness, Banevicius, Smyth.

📸 Kristine Lubimova